Day 25. Columbus to Perry, GA. 97 miles. With the finish line to this adventure rapidly approaching, we welcomed an "easy" day of less than 100 miles over moderately rolling terrain. The weather Gods were again with us, with slightly overcast skies, temps starting around 65 degrees and light winds out of the west. The first 11 miles was absolutely beautiful along a bike path that wound along the Chattahoochee River. The bike path included a number of bridges, serpentined under a couple buildings and was probably the cleanest 11 miles of bike path I'd ever seen. This treasure should be added to your "must visit" list. This wake up ride was a fantastic way to start the day and ended with us riding another 10 miles through Ft. Benning, GA, the home of the Ranger School and the training ground for almost all of our paratroopers. The post looked immaculate and our tour through the housing area would make you proud that we are treating our soldiers with dignity and respect. I left a few "Hooya's" on the post as a salute to the men and women who selflessly serve our great country. When we exited Ft. Benning, we rolled down Highway 26 for 52 miles! Great rolling road, lightly traveled and plenty of shoulder room. And that tail wind made it even better! Sometimes having little/no navigation takes all the pressure off and allows you to just put your head down and ride. I looked up several times today and thanked God for all the blessings that the extended King family and friends enjoy. I think the process of riding long distances day after day, and physically pushing myself more than I've done in many years, has provided me yet another dose of humility. My gratitude for this opportunity is only exceeded by the total mileage of the whole event. But I digress . . . At the first rest stop, I recharged in the nearby grocery store with a Nestle's Chocolate Milk and walked back to my bike to get rolling again. However, Barb told me that my room mate, Greg Lehr, had passed forward (via CB radio) that he'd like me to wait for him so that we could ride together. I gladly waited a few extra minutes until Greg arrived and refreshed himself with some bananas, apples and fig newtons. We rolled out of the stop about the time the next wave of riders rolled in. Over the next 35 miles, we shared the lead, pulling 3-5 miles each and then swapping. There were few hills and the road ambled east and south, traversing the Georgia countryside. We saw miles of corn, wheat and happy cows in two counties. I must add that the drivers from the beginning of our ride through today have been exceedingly courteous and supportive. Our group has really worked to be respectful of the road rules and laws, and also considerate of the myriad cars we've encountered. The result is genuinely profound: by GIVING respect, we are absolutely RECEIVING consideration and respect that I've not routinely encountered previously. Greg and I pushed each other a few times, but we also kept some energy in reserve, knowing that two more days of 100 miles plus still existed. We had our usual lunch, and then felt quite confident knowing we had only 20 miles remaining to the Comfort Inn in Perry. With Greg's bike "clicking" and my bike slightly "creaking", we pulled each other over the next hour rolled into the hotel about 1:45pm. After we unloaded the bags and cleaned up, we headed to the hot tub and pool to relax for a few moments, catching up on the Wall Street Journal. It's a tough life, but somebody has to do it . . . at least for two more days! Greg and I refueled next door at Cracker Barrel, enjoying Chicken Pot Pie and Potato Soup. Tonight we have our T-Shirt swap and the ABB store will allow us to buy some team shirts, socks, etc. Any requests out there? Arlene and I have adjusted our plans so that now we'll attend the ride banquet on Friday night and then drive westward to attend a Saturday afternoon wedding in Huntsville, AL for Arlene's best buddy, Kelli. We'll be heading toward Fairview Heights, IL on Sunday morning. Take care one and all, and of course . . . stay healthy. Steve